Puffins and Peaks: Explore the Borgarfjörður Eystri

Overview

This 5-hour shore excursion is designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving in Seyðisfjörður, offering a rare opportunity to see puffins in their natural habitat—with no hiking required. Journey with us to the tiny village of Borgarfjörður Eystri (Bakkagerði), nestled in the colorful mountains of Iceland’s remote Eastfjords and home to one of the most accessible puffin colonies in the country. Departing from your ship, we travel through stunning fjords and over a scenic mountain pass toward Borgarfjörður, a place steeped in both natural beauty and elf folklore. At Hafnarhólmi, a specially built viewing platform lets you get incredibly close to thousands of puffins—perfect for photos and quiet observation. The area is also home to other seabirds. You’ll also explore the charming village of Bakkagerði and hear local tales of the elf queen who is said to reside in nearby Álfaborg (the Elf Rock). Time-permitting, we can stop for coffee and Icelandic treats at a cozy local café.